The Everest follows many of Ford’s design cues, with a trapezoidal grille and chunky styling. And Ford says the car will be “not only purposeful but true to Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA”.

“Nothing sums up the Australian way of life and the Australian spirit like an SUV,” Fields says.

“This is one special SUV, really designed to set a new benchmark among SUVs. this concept gives a hint of what the vehicle we will put into production will be like,” Fields says. “Today 40,000 Australians prefer large off-road SUVs.”

Alan Mulally, Ford’s global president, sang the praises of the new concept.

“Designed right here in Australia for Australians, and, for the world.”